Astronomical time switch



Oct. 13, 1931. c. E. DE LONG 1,826,749

ASTRONOMICAL TIME SWITCH Filed March 16, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet l l i J] #5 t I Haj H $426 45m mmmzbm Oct. 13, 1931. c. 5. DE LONG 1,826,749

ASTRONOMICAL TIME SWITCH Filed March 16, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 .4,: THUR- Oct. 13, 1931. g. E. D E LONG 1,826,749

ASTRONOMICAL TIME SWITCH I Filed March 16, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 13, 1931. c. E. DE LONG 1,826,749

ASTRONOMICAL TIME SWITCH Filed March 16. 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Oct. 13, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICER CHAR-LES E. DE LONG, OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR TO SANGAMO ELECTRIC 9..

COMPANY, OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS ASTRONOMICAL TIME SWITCH Application filed March 16, 1929. Serial No. 347,513.

The present invention relates to astronomical time switches, such as are employed to exercise a governing function over some controlled apparatus inpredetermined time re-.

r, lation to sunset or sunrise, or both. For example, these switches may be utilized to control large electric display signs, signal apparatus and various other mechanisms in which it is desired that the operation, be in re timed relation to sunrise or sunset; i. e., in the case of, an electric sign, that the sign be switched on at sunset or at a predetermined interval earlier or later than sunset, and be switched oil at a'definite hour in the morning or in predetermined timed relation to sunrise.

Considering first an installation wherein it is desired to have the device close a circuit approximately at sunset, or say twenty minutes earlier or later than sunset, it will be apparent that the actual time of operation of the switch will have to vary from day today with reference to clock time to correct for the differ-cut hours of sunset in the different seasons of the year. The prior constructions of time switches which have been designed to have this mode of operation have been extremely complicated and very expensive, so much so that their cost is usually prohibitive except in large installations warranting their high cost. Moreover, these prior constructions have been subject to considerable error in effecting the automatic change of operation with seasonal variations in sunset or sunrise. It is one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide an astronomical time switch which is of comparatively simple construct-ion, comparatively inexpensive in initial cost and maintenance, and which is much more accurate in efiecting seasonal variations than the prior constructions with which I am familiar.

Another object of the invention is to provide improvements wherein one actuation of the switch, usually corresponding to the opening actuation thereof, can be made to occur at a definite fixed hour each morning, or wherein such actuation can be made to, occur M at sunrise or in predetermined timed relation thereto.

In this regard, it is a further object to provide improved means which can be quickly and easily adjusted for adjusting the time of operation of the switch either with refer ence to sunset or sunrise, or for adjusting the fixed time of opening of the switch irrespective of sunrise, where such latter mode of operation is desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved cut-out means capable of rendering the switch non-effective at certain time periods, when such is desired. For example, such cut-out means may be employed to make the switch non-effective on Sundays, when such. is desirable, although this means may be employed for cutting out the operation on any other days.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description of the preferred embodiment thereof. In the accompanying drawings illustrating such cmbodiment- Fig. 1 is a front view of the device with the cover swung back to illustrate the grouping of the different mechanisms in the enclosing housing;

Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of the electrical connections between the different mechanisms, such mechanisms being shown in approximately the relation they occupy in the housing;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the astronomical or time changing mechanism showing its mounting on the clock unit;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side or edge view of the same, as viewed from the bottom of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view through such mechanism, taken approximately on the plane of the line 55 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but with the hour wheel removed to illustrate the month wheel;

Fig. 7 is a detail view of the shifting lever which swings the switch actuating partsin accordance with the movement of the season cam;

Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the mounting arm or lever which supports the switch actuating disc; I

Fig. 9 is a side view of the same;

Fig. 10 is an inverted view of this assembly, as viewed from the rear side of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is an end view of such swinging arm and switch actuating disc;

Fig. 12 is a View of the reverse side of the month wheel, showing the season cam mounted thereon;

Fig. 13 is a detail sectional view showing the construction or" the relay switch; and

Fig. 14: is an elevational view, somewhat diagrammatic, showing a modified embodi ment adapted for varying the switch closing and opening operations in accordance with seasonal variations of sunset and sunrise.

The device is enclosed in a housing 17, the front of which is open to afford access to the mechanism for adjustment thereof. This open front is normally closed by a cover 18 which is hinged to the housing 17 and is preterably capable of being locked thereto. The interior of said housing is divided by two transverse partitions 19 into upper, intermediate and lower compartments. Mounted in the upper compartment is a clock unit 20 comprising any suitable time controlled mechanism such as a conventional time train and escapcment mechanism driven bya manually wound clock spring or by an electric motor. Mounted in the intermediate compartment is a motor driven switch actuating mechanism 21 which is periodically actuated under the control of the clocl' unit 20 for actuating the main switch 22. Such main switch is mounted in the lower compartment of the housing. The present invention resides primarily in the time changing mechanism associated with the clock unit 20. The motor driven sw actuating mechanism 21 iay be or" any pi tcrred 'onstruction, the same merely serving as a power source or relay for transmitt-ii a relatively large operating ener y to the main switch under the comparatwely delicate control of the clock unit 20. Similar the main swi ch 22 may be of an ireterred construction, a toggle type of S. ch heing shown in the disclosure. The cnerir'zation ot the switch actuating mechanism 21 is under the governing control of a pilot or relay switch 2% associated with the clock unit 20. and the invention pertains primarily to the time control of this relay switch. 7

Referring to Fig. 3, the minute hand arbor extending outwardly from the clock movement is indicated at 2t, such arbor making one complete revolution each hour. Suitably secured to this arbor, to rotate therewith, is a small spur gear 25 which meshes with a larger spur gear 26 rotating about a laterally disposed arbor 2T. Secured to the gear 26 is a relatively small spur pinion 28 which transmits rotation to a larger spur gear .The gear 29 is joined to another gear 31 whereby both rotate as a unit, such pair of gears being secured in axially spaced relation on a sleeve 32 which is mounted for free rotation on the arbor 24. The ratio of the gear reduction from the gear 25, which rotates once each hour, through the speed reducing gears 26 and 28 is such that the double gear unit 2931 will complete one revolution every twelve hours, corresponding to the hour hand on the clock, it such were employed. The gear 29 is divided into twelve divisions, each indicated by the numerals 29' reading irom 1 to l2 inclusive, and its coinpanion gear 31 is similarly divided into twelve divisions, each indicated by the successive numerals 31 extending from l to 12 inclusive. Cooperating with the numeral indicia 29 is an index pointer 33 stationarily secured to the clock frame. The numeral indicia 31 on the companion gear 31 is not in registry with the numeral iudicia 2i), the numerals 31 being adapted to establish timing registration with correspoinling hour numerals 34 on a wheel 34 which is driven by the gear 31.

The gear wheel 34 rotates about the axis of a spindle or arbor projecting outwardly from the clock frame, and such wheel is relatively large, its ratio to the driving gear 31 being such that the wheel {A will make one complete revolution every twenty-four hours. Each half of the wheel is separated into twelve divisions, represented by the numerals Set, each series of numerals corresponding to the twelve hours A. M. and the twelve hours P. M. of each day. The two series of numerals are separately designated by the A. M. and P. M. indicia as shown, and the Day and X ,ht ions of the wheel are correspondingly indicated.

I shall hereinafter refer to the wheel 3i as the hour of the day or hour wheel in the series of time wheels to be later described. iJuCll wheel comprises a hub 36, projecting from the upper and lower sides of the wheel. and mounted on such hub on the upper side ot the wheel is a tripping finger 37, and mounted on said hub on the lower :ide of the wheel is a similar tripping finger 38. These lingers have split llllb'POlfilOIlS 37 and 38' (Fig. 5) engaging with a relatively tight frictional lit over the projecting portions of the wheel hub Such mounting enables the two fingers to be adjusted to dill'crent angular points about the wheel, corresponding to diiierent hours of the day or night when the main switch is to be opened and closed. The outer nose or tripping portion of each linger projects slightly beyond the ipherv of the wheel 34, and the straight 'adial edge of this nose constitutes an index oint which is adapted to be placed in regist y with the desired hour numeral 3% or fl:l( tional part of the hour, corresponding to the time when the switch is to be actuated.

The under side of the wheel 34 has corresponding hour indicia and A; and P. M. and Day and Night indications for indicating the angular setting of the lower tripping finger 38, such indicia being angularly displaced, however, from the numeral indicia 34 on the upper side of the wheel, owing to the fact that the lower finger 38 performs its tripping function at a dilierent point in'the rotation of the wheel than does theupper tripping finger 37, as will be hereinafter described, In cutting the teeth in the wheel 34, the tooth spaces are extcnded'inwardly into the body of the gear. in the form of shale low radial grooves 41 to indicate fractional parts of the hour between successive hour numerals 34, this being true on both sides of the gear. I l: a

The hub 36 ofsaid gear is adapted to fit down over a small gear element 42 which is rotatably mounted on the pivot or arbor 35, the gear 34 operating to drive the small gear 42 and thereby transmit rotation to another large gear wheel 43 disposed belowthe hour wheel 34. As shown in Fig, 5, the gear42 is formed with an outwardly orupwardly extending sleeve portion 44 having a reduced upper end upon which the hub 36 of the gee r 34 seats, whereby the gear 34 is held in spaced relation to the gear 43. As shown in F 3, the upper end of said sleeve 44 is provided with a radially extending key adapted to engage in a corresponding socket formed in the hub 36. The gear 34 can be readily lifted oil the endof the sleeve 44 to permit adjustments in the assembly or setting of the mechanism. I I

To normally retain the gear on said sleeve, retaining means in the form of a wire46 is extended from a post 47 around which one end ofthe wire is coiled, and is adapted to be sprung into a transverse slot in the outer end of the pivot standard V hen it is de sired to adjust the timed angular relation of the lower tripping finger 38 or of the wheel 34. it is only necessary to spring the wire 46 outof the slotted end. of the arbor 35 and to swing said wire to one side, whereupon the wheel can be lifted off the end of the sleeve 44 for effecting angular adjustment between these parts, it being noted, however, that said wheel can only bereplaced in one angular position with respect to the small gear 42, such being determined by the engagement of the key in the keyway formed in the "Y hub 36.

The gear wheel 43 rotatably mounted on a fiXedpivot standard 49projecting outwardly from the clock frame, ther'atio between such gear and the smaller gear 42 which drives it being such that the wheel 43-makes one complete revolution for every seven revolutions of the wheel 34,i e., one'complete revolution per week. The outer surface, of the wheel 43 is divided into seven major divisions or sectors 51, each marked successively"Sun.-,

Mon, Tue.?, etc., corresponding to the successive days of the week. The major divisions or sectors 51 are subdivided into smaller equally spaced divisions 52 to represent fractional parts of each day, in the construction shown these minor subdivisions corre sponding to six-hour intervals being provided with numeral indicia, although, if desired, the numeral indicia may be provided for smaller intervals.

This day of the week and hour ind'icia' on the wheel 43 is adapted to be placed in registration with a stationary index pointer 53 carried by the fixed pivot standard 49, corresponding to the time when the device is placed in operation. The gear rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow thereon, and at the leading edge of each day interval is a small threaded hole 55for selectively receiving a switch trippingscrew 56 (Fig. 6). The funciion of this screw is to render the a paratus inoperative to perform its switching operation on any particular day of the week. For example, if it is desired that the apparas tus he'made non-functioning on Sunday, the screw 56 is inserted in the hole 55 at the leading edge of the Sunday sector. Said screw proiects below the under side of the wheel 43 and is adapted to engage a switch tripping arm 57 disposed directly below the gear, as shown in Fig. 6. Such arm is pivoted at 58 and operatively connected with aninsulat-v ing arm 59 from the outer end of which projects a switch element in the form of a contact pin 61. Normally, such pin engages be tween two spaced contact fingers 62 (Fig. 3) mounted on an insulating post 63. 4) whereby the pin 61 completes a circuit between the fingers 62' Atorsion spring 64 coiled about the pivot 58 normally tends to retain the contact pin 61 in such position between the fingers 62. \Vhen'the screw 56 is placed in the hole 55 of the Sunday interval,

such screw will engage the arm 57' and separate the switch elements 61 62 at'the appropriateitime on Sunday to prevent operation of the main switch 22, remaining in contact with the arm 57, owing'to the long slope or dwell thereof, a sufficientinterval to prevent operation of the main switch notwithstanding-seasonal variationsinits time of operhtion. As willbe later'described, the switch elements SL432, which I shall call the Sun day cut-out switch, are so "connected with the relay switch '23 as to make the operation ofthe latter non-effective when the switch elements 6162 are separated. lVhen the main switch 22 is to be operated every day of the week, the screw 56 is removed from the hole a 55 in the Sunday interval of the gear wheel 43; To avoid the possibility of losing the screw, the latter may be inserted in a hole 55' located inwardly at a smaller radius of said wheel, at which point the screw will clear the tripping arm 57 without actuating the same. If it is desired to make the apparatus non-functioning on two or more days of the week, the appropriate number of these screws 56 are inserted in the proper holes corresponding to these day intervals.

Projecting from the reverse side of the gear wheel are two diametrically opposite pins which transmit an intermittent, step-bystep rotation to the toothed periphery of another large gear wheel 66 which is rotatably supporled on the pivot standard 35 below the hour wheel 3st, and also below the day of the week, or Day whee 43. The driving ratio from the pins 65 on the w ieel 4:3 to the teeth 67 on the wheel 66 is such that, for each rotation oi the wheel .43, the wheel 66 will be advanced two tooth spaces, or the wheel (36 will make one complete revolution each year.

A detcnt 70 (Fig. 6) is normally urged into the teeth 6'7 by a spring 70 so as to hold the wheel (36 between its stcp-by-step advancements. The outer surface of such wheel is marked into twelve major divisions or seetors 68, each designated by the successive months of the year. Each month division is subdivided into smaller divisions 69 corresponding to weeks of the month, with numerals corresponding to weekly intervals sociated therewith. The indicia 6869 is 3 adapted to be placed in appropriate registrai I shall term the month wheel. is a cam 72 which effects a shifting of the switch actuating devices corresponding to seasonal variations of sunrise and sunset at different times of the year. Refer 'ing to Figs. 6 and 7, such cam cooperates with a shifter arm which is disposed below the month wheel 66 and which is pivotally mounted adjacent to one end on the pivot standard 49. Such arm, designated 73, has a cam riding point 74 which is continuously held in contact with the periphery of t ie cam under the action of a biasing spring 75 extending between a pin 7 6 on the arm 73 and a fixed pin, such as arbor 27, on the frame of the clock. The swinging end 73' of said arm is arranged to transmit shifting movement to an arm 78 which carries certain of the devices for actuating the relay or pilot switch 23. The arm 78 is plvotally mounted on the pivot stud 05 so that the switch actuatinc' devices carried thereby swing concentricallv oi the path of movement of the tripping finger 37 revolving with the hour wheel B l.

wterriusr to Figs. 7 and 9, the pivot end e arm 78 may be provided with diametrically opposite slots 79 adapted to slip down over diametrically opposite pins projecting from the pivot stud 35 and arranged whereby, in the normal arc of movement of the arm 78, the slots 79 will be out of registry with such pins so that the arm will be held against upward displacement along the pivot stud. The swinging end of said arm is formed with a raised shelf portion 78' upon which a wheel 82 is pivotally supported at 83, such wheel being disposed approximately in the plane of the hour wheel 34. Projecting from the outcr side of said wheel or disk 82, in closely spaced relation, are two pins 84 and 85, the former of which is engaged by the tripping finger 37 in each revolution of the hour wheel 3i. As said tripping finger engages this pin and rides past the same, the wheel or disk 82 is caused to oscillate about its pivot 83, thereby swinging the other pin 85 outwardly against the long curved arm 86, which actuates the relay switch 23, as will be presently described. Referring to Fig. 10, a wire spring 87 is sec ared to the under side of the shelf portion 78 and has its two ends extending outwardly to engage opposite sides of a pin 88 extending downwardly from the disc 82 whereby to automatically restore the disc to a predetermined normal position after each oscillation thereof by the tripping finger 37 A pin 89 extends downwardly from the shelf portion and serves to center the two ends of the spring 87 so that the pin 88 will always be restored to a predetermined angular position. The edge of the shelf portion 78 may be formed with an arcuate notch 91 aflordin g shoulders which positively limit the oscillatory movement of the pin 88. The end 73 of the shifting arm 7 3 extends into a slot 92 in the upwardly bent portion of the arm 7 8 so that swinging movement of the arm 73 will oscillate the arm 78 in a direction to advance or delay the time of engagement be tween the tripping finger 37 and pin 84. \Vhen the device is to be used in the north temperate zone of the earths latitude the shitting cam 7 2 will have its maximum radius approximately directly under the Dec. division of the month wheel (36 so that when this point of the cam is hearing against the cam riding point 74 of the arm 73 the arm 7 8 supporting the switch actuating disc 82 will have been oscillated in a clockwise direction to approximately the position illustrated in Fig. 6. Hence, at this time of the year, when the days are shorter, the disc 82 will be advanced with respect to the direction of rotation of the tripping finger 37 so that the relay switch will be actuated earlier in the day. The low point of the cam 72 is approximately under the June division of the month wheel 66 and when this portion of the cam is in engagement with the cam riding point- 74 the arm 73 will have swung inwardly towards the pivot axis 35, with consequent counterclockwise oscillation of the arm 78, to place the disc 82 in a location where the engagement of the tripping finger 37 with the pin 84 will be delayed until a later hour in each day.

' blade.

The swinging of the two arms 73 and 78 in this direction is effected through the spring 75. In some instances it may be desired to definitely position the switch actuating disc 82 at one point so that the relay switch 23 will be operated at the same time each day instead of at varying times dependent upon sunset or sunrise. To rovide for this mode of operation, the arm 3 hasan extending portion 93 which is adapted to be engaged by a pin 94 on a swinging arm 95 (Fig. 6). The arm 95 is disposed belowthe day wheel 43 and is secured to a short pivot shaft 96. Secured to the outer end of said shaft an actuating arm 97disposed in convenient position for operation above the day wheel 43 Fig. 3), and it will be evident that by oscillating the latter arm in a counterclockwise direction the pin 94 onthe lower arm 95 oscillates the lever 7 3 in a direction to carry the cam riding point 74 outwardly to a position where it will not be influenced by the cam 72. The lever 7 3 is locked in such position by the pin 94 engaging a shoulder 98 at the end of the extending arm portion 93. As above remarked, at this time the switch actuating disc 82 will remain in a definite po sition so that the relay switch '23 will always be actuated at the same time each day.

The relay or pilot switch 23 comprises a switch blade 101 secured to a block of insulation 102 pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 103 extending between the clock frame and an angle bracket 104 securedto said frame. The

swinging endof the blade 101 rides on the raised edge 105 of a metallic contact clip 106 secured to a block of insulation 107, the raised contact edge 105 having end stops for limiting the oscillation of the blade 101 (see Fig. 13).

In either extremity of its movement, the switch blade engages with terminal'contacts 108 and 109 having suitable insulated mounting. A biasing spring 110 is pivotallyconnected between the insulating block 107 and a longitudinal pivot point on the switch blade 101 for completing the throw ofthe blade after the latter has, passed beyond an intermediate position. The curved switch actuating arm-86 is fixedly connected. with the insulated hub portion 102 of the switch blade, and, hence, swings about the pivot center 103, serving to throw the switch blade out of engagement with the contact 109 and into engagement with the contact 108 when said arm 86 is swung outwardly by the pin 85. I verse movement of the switch blade back into engagement with the contact 109 is effected by the tripping finger 38 on the reverse sideof the hour wheel 34 engaging with a dog 111 mounted on the hub portion 102 of the switch Such dog is pivotally supported at 112 and has a weighted end normally tending to retain the dog in the operative position shown in Fig. 3. I In the normal, counter- Rei clockwise rotation of the tripping finger 38, such finger will engage the nose of the dog and swing the switch .blade into engagement with the terminal contact 109. If the hour wheel 34 should be revolved clockwise in the setting of the mechanism, the pivotal. mounting of the dog permits the same to swin clear of the finger 38 as the latter moves bacl: past the dog.

operating energy from a small electric motor 119 which is connected to the main switch contacts 117, 118 through wires 121, 122. The mechanism 21, which actuates the main switch 22, also derives its power from a small electric motor 123, the circuit of which is controlled by the above described relay switch 23. A wire 1 24 leads from the switch terminal 117 and connects directly with one side of the motor 123. A wire 125' extends from the other switch terminal 118 and connects through the contact clip 106 with the relay switch blade 101. When said blade is in contact with the switch terminal 108 the circuit 'continuesthrough wire 126 to one of the contacts of theSunday cut-out switch 61, 62. Assumingthe contact pin 61 to be engaged in between the contact terminals 62, during weekday operation, the circuit will continue down through wire 127, in which a manually operated cut-out switch 128 is interposed,to a contact terminal 131 constituting part of a rotary switch associated with the motor driven switch actuating mechanism 21. The circuit is continued from'the terminal 131 to a companion terminal 131 two corresponding terminals 133, 133 which are adapted to be electrically connected when the 'contactor 132 revolves through a half revolution from the position shown. The two terminals 131 and 133 are cross connected by a wire 134, from whicha wire 135 leads to the other terminal of the switch actuating motor 123.

Leading down from the other contact terminal 109 of the relay switch 23 is a wire 136 which connects with the contact terminal 133.

The switch actuating mechanism 21 may be of any desired construction appropriate for transmitting operating energy from themotor 1.23 to the main switch22 for moving the latter between its closed and opened positions. In the preferred construction shown, the torque of the motor 123 istransmitted through a speed reducing gear train generally indicated at 137 to one end of a heavy spiral spring indicated at 139. The energy stored in said spring is transmitted through gears to a rotary member 141 carrying a crank pin 142. A connecting rod 143 extends from this crank pin to the main switch 22.- Automatically operating, half-revolution stop mechanism, generally indicated at 144, is associated with the spring 139 for covering the rotation of the crank element 141, such stop mechanism in and of itself forming no part of the present invention. W'hen the main switch 22 is in the open position illustrated in 2, the revolving contactor 132 is engaging between the switch contacts 131, 131'. At sunset, or at a predetermined time interval earlier or later than sunset, the relay switch 23 swings over into engagement with its switch terminal 108 and completes the circuit to the switch actuating motor 123 down through wire 126 and switch contacting elements 131, 132 and 131.

The motor 123 thereupon operates to transmit winding rotation to the spring 139. After the spring has been wound through a halfrevolntion, or other predetermined angular distance, the stop mechanism 144 is automatically tripped, whereupon the crank element 141, acting under the heavy tension of the spring, makes a quick rotation through a half revolution and effects a quick closing of the main switch 22 through the crank connecting member 143. The stop mechanism 144 stops the rotation of the crank element 141 at the end of this half revolution or one-cycle, with the main switch 22 held closed. Such rotation of the crank element 141 swings the rotary conta'ctor 132 out from between the contacts 131, 131 and over into engagement between the opposite contacts 133, 133'. Hence, the motor circuit through relay switch contact 108 and wire 126 is broken, and the motor 123 immediately ceases operating. At sunrise, or at a predetermined hour in the morning, the relay switch 23 is swung back into engagement with its switch contact 109, thereby completing the motor circuit down through wire 136 and contacts 133, 133 to the motor 123. Thereupon, the motor again takes up operation, winding the spring 139, and finally tripping the stop mechanism 144 with the result that the crank element 141 is quickly revolved through a half revolution for opening the main switch 22. Such rotation of the crank element 141 swings the rotary contact 132 back into its former position between the switch contacts 131, 131, thereby breaking the circuit to the motor from the relay switch contact 109 and reestablishing the circuit from the other terminal 103, preparatory to the next actuation of the motor at sunset.

It will be noted that in each step of the operation the relay switch 23 only operates to close the circuit of the motor 123, the opening of such circuit being effected by the rotary contactor 132, and hence the relay switch is relieved of any arcing incident to the opening of such motor circuit. The closing of the main switch 22 connects the two power conductors 115, 116 with the main switch contacts 117, 118', from which conductors 146 extend to the electric sign or other device or apparatus to be controlled. If it is desired to have said main switch open the power circuit at sunset instead of closing the same, the crank pin 142 can be placed at a diametrically opposite point on the crank element 141, or the connection of the two conductors 126, 136 with the relay switch contacts 1.08, 109 can be reversed. The opening of the small manually operated switch 128 permits the relay switch 23 to be operated for testing or the like without causing operation of the main switch 22.

The foregoing description of the circuit diagram of Fig. 2 will explain the operation of opening and closing the main switch 22 when the relay switch 23 is swung to one side or the other under the control of the clock unit 20. Briefly summarizing the operation of this relay switch, it will be seen that the clock moven'lcnt functions as a time controlled means for rotating the gear wheel 31 once every twelve hours which, in turn, revolves the hour wheel 34 once every twentyfonr hours.

The hour wheel 34 functions as a rotating carrier for the two tripping members 37 and 38, which tripping members are anguiarly adjustable relatively to said carrier member for opening and closing the main switch 22 at different hours of the day. Once each revolution, the tripping member 37 is adapted to engage and operate the switch actuating member in the form of the pin 84 and its associated parts 82, and 86. which transmit movement to the relay switch blade 101. The arm 7 S constitutes a swinging supporting means operating to shift the switch actuating member 84 to different points of the path of movement of the tripping member 37 with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset, i. c., for the short days of the year having an early sunset the switch actuating member 84 is shifted to a point in such path where its ti of engagement by the tripping member 37 will occur earlier in the day, and, conversely, for the longer days when sunset occurs later the switch actuating member is shifted to a point in such path as to be engaged by said tripping member at a later time in the day. In this regard, the curvature of the motion transmitting arm or lever 80 is of particular importance for always transmitting substantially the same degree of angular throw to the switch blade 101 irrespective of the point to which the switch actuating member 84, 82

has been shifted.

That is to say, when said switch actuating,

tratcd in Fig. 3, it transmits motion to the lever 86 through a relatively long radius arm, whereas when such switch actuating member has been. displaced to the other limit of its movement, corresponding to the long days of the year, it trn emits motion to the lever 86 through. a rela .i ely short radius arm, viz., the radius arm extending from the pivot 103 to the point of engagement of the pin 85 with the lever 86. lever is illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 3, and this normal position and the curvature of the inner edge of the lever are so proportioned and related to the shifting movement of the switch actuating member, that substantially the same degree of switch actuating move ment will be imparted to said lever from the pin irrcspectiw of the pointto which the switch actuating member has been shifted with seasonal variations. These characteristics of the lever on also increase the accuracy of the device by insuring in all seasonal positions of the switch actuating member the same time relation between the instant when the member 37 engages the member 84 and which this lever is swung when the biasing spring 110 5; laps the switch blade 101 over to the limit of its throw.

The manner in which the supporting member 78 is swung through cooperation between the seasonal cam 72 and follower lever 73 has been previously described. Similarly, the m: mer in which the relay switch can be made non-ellective by the Sunday cut-out means 61, 62, through coaction of the screw 56 carried by the day wheel 43, has been previously r escribed. If it should be desired to have the. tripping member 37 engage the switch actuating member 84 at the same time each day, such is ellected by swinging the arm 97 which, together with the arm 95 and pin 94, constitute holding means for swinging the cam following lever 7 3 and switch actuating member 84 to a position where they will not be influenced by the cam 72, and holding the same in such position.

When the device is to be placed in operation, the month wheel 66 is first angularly adjusted on the arbor 35 to have the proper month division and approximate day of the month re 'ster with tne index member 71, CUIl'CEPOIlfl g to the month and day on which the device is placed in operation. The day wheel 43 is then augularly adjusted on its arbor 4:9 to place the appropriate day of the week and approximate hour of the day in registration with the index member 53 corresponding to the time when operation is to begin. After the two tripping members 37 and 38 have been properly adjusted on the hour wheel. 34, the latter is placed on the arbor 85, and its numeral indicia '34 is The normal position of such brought into matching registration with the corresponding numeral indicia '31 on the wheel 81.

These two wheels are then rotated together in mesh until the numeral indicia 29" on the wheel 29 appropriately registers with the index member 33 corresponding to. the hour and approximate minute when the device. is placed in operation. Thereupon, the gear 29 is moved back into mesh with the pinion 28, whereby it comes under the control of the time controlled means, and the pinion 42 is at the same time moved into mesh with the day wheel 43. The driving train from the time controlled means to the cam 7 2, which r tates once each year, is thereby completed, with the hour, day and month wheels in exact time relation corresponding to the time when the instrument first starts operating. If it is desired to close the main switch substantially at sunset, and if sunset occurs at six oclock on that particular day, the tripping member 37 is angularly positioned in registry with the 6 p. m. numeral on the wheel 34. Thereafter, correction for earlier or later sunset with seasonal variation of sun time will occur automatically under the controlling action of the cam 72, If, at the above time when the instrument is set in operation, it is desiredto actuate the relay switch at a predetermined time, say minutes or a half hour, earlier or later than sunset, the tripping member 37 is angularly adjusteda corresponding distance to either side of the hour of sunset on that particular day. 3

Different cams 72, correspondingto different geographical locations or latitudes, may be mounted on the month wheel 66 for differ ent points of installation of the instrument.

The shape of cam shown in Fig. 12 is intended for use in the north temperate zone, and itwill. be understood that by reversing such cam to place its high point under the June division of the month wheel, such cam can be employed in the south temperate zone. In the above described embodiment, the main switch 22 is opened at the same time each morning, which time is predetermined by the angular setting of the tripping finger 38 relatively to the hour indications on the reverse side of the Wheel 34. In Fig. 14 I have illustrated a modified embodiment wherein both switch movements correspond directly with sunset and sunrise. In such embodiment, there are two hour wheels 34a and 34?) which are geared together, each rotating one complete revolution every 24 hours. Adj ustably mounted on the outer side of each of such wheels is a tripping finger 37m and 37b adapted to engage, respectively, with switch actuating pins-84a and 84?) on the discs 82a and 82b. Theother pins 85m and 85b transmit movement respectively to the two curved arms 86a and 86?) extending from opposite sides of the relay switch blade 101.

t will be understood from the foregoing that the engagement of the finger 37a with the pin Sea will transmit movement to oscillate the switch blade 101 over into engagement with the switch contact 109. and that engagement of the other tripping linger 37?) with its companion pin 846 will oscillate the switch blade back in the opposite direction into contact *ith the other switch contact 108.

Disposed co-axially below the two hour wheels 34a and 3%?) are two month whcel' (36a and 66?), each carrying a cam 72a, 725. Such cams cooperate with shifting levers 73a and 73?) which transmit shifting movement to the two arms carrying the discs ant substantially as described of the preceding embodiment. The inner or adjacent ends of the two levers 73a and 735 are connected by a spring T5 which operates to retain the cam riding points of such levers in contact with their respective cams.

Rotation is transmitted to either of the two hour wheels 3 M or 345 from suitable time controlled means through a gear train, such has been previously described. whereby each wheel 34a, 3% revolves once every :1.- hours. Rotating with one of said wheels, illustrated as the wheel 34a. is pinion 1418 which meshes with a relatively la yer gear 1&9, driving the latter in a. ratio to rotate once every two days. Such gear carries a pinion 151 which meshes with a wheel driving the latter in a ratio to complete one revolution per week. Such wheel carries two pins which transmit a stepby-step advancement, twice each week, to the month wheel 667). The two month wheels 66?) and (5801 are geared together to rotate in synchro- Illflll. The two cams 72a and 72?) carried by such wheels are appropriately shaped to advance and delay the actuation of the relay s itch in accordance with seasonal variations of sunset and sunrise in the latitude in which the device is used.

If desired, the two shifting levers 73a and 737) may have the holding arms 97a and associated therewith. whereby the shifting levers can beheld in outwardly displaced positions for a fixed time of opening and closing the switch each day. The day-of-theweek wheel 43 may also be arranged to coact with a Sunday cut-out switch, as described of the preceding embodiment.

lVhile I have disclosed what regard to be the preferred embodiment or adaptation of my invention, nevertheless it will be understood that such embodiment is largely eX- cmplary and that mnnerou v changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention. In most instances the switch Qil will be used as a relay switch for controlling the operation of a larger main switch, but it will be obvious that in some situations the so-called relay switch may, in fact, serve as the main switch. lVithin its broader aspects, the in vention also adaptable to other than electrical us as for instance, instead of imparting movement to a switch such movement might be imparted to a valve elen'lent or any other device, the operation of which it is desired to control in predetermined relation to sunset or sunrise, or both.

I claim 1. In a time switch of the class described, the combination of time controlled means comprising a plurality of coo )erating mombcrs adapted to engage in timed relation for oil'ecting switching operations, automatic means for varying the time of engagcmcn; between certain said members with seasonal variations of sunrise, and automatic means tor varying the time of engagement between certain others of said members with seasonable variations of sunset and independently of said first means.

2. In a time swi ch of the class described, the combination of time controlled means comprising a rotating member having cyclical timed movement and a second rotating 'mber adapted to be engaged thereby for ecting a switching operation, and automeans for varying the relative posins of the axis of rotation of said latter member with respect to the first and with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset.

In a time switch of the class described, the combination of a time controlled member having movement in a cyclical path, a cooperating member adapted to be engaged thereby for etl'ecting a switching operation, and automatic means for displacing said latter member to diil'ercnt points of the path of movement of said first member with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset.

4. In a time switch of the class described, the combination of a time controlled member having movement in a cyclical path, a cooperating member adapted ":o be engaged therefor effecting a switching operation, and automatic means comprising a rotating cam acting to vary the time of engagement be tween said two members in accordance with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset.

5. In a time switch of the class described, the combination of a time controlled member having movement in a cyclical path, a co operating member adapted to be engaged thereby for etlecting a switching operation. a cam rotating approximately once each year. and means actuated by said cam for displac ing said letter member to different points of the path of: movement of said first member w th FJGflF'OFidl ar tiou of sunrise or sunset.

(3. In an astroiunnical time switch, the combination of switch means, a switch actuating nember, a tripping member having movement in a cyclical. path and adapted it *ngagc and operate said switch actuating member :asaavw once each day, time controlled means for governing the movement of said tripping member, a cam controlled by said time controlled means and completing approximately one cycle of movement each year, and follower means responsive to said cam for displacing said switch actuating member to different points of the path of movement of said trippingmemher with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset. 7

7 In an astronomical time switch, the combination of switch means, a switch actuating member, a rotating tripping-memberadapted to operate said switch actuating member once each day, supporting means for said switch actuating member swinging substantially concentrically of the path of movement of said tripping member, time controlled means for governing the movement ofsaid tripping member, a cam controlled by said time controlled means and completing'approximate- 1y one cycle of movement each'year, and follower means responsive to said cam and connected with said supporting means for swinging said switch actuating member to different points of the path of rotation of said tripping member with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset. p

8. In an astronomical time switch, the combination of switching means, a switch actuating member, a rotating carrier, time controlled means for effecting approximately one revolution of said carrier each day, a tripping member mounted on and adjustable to difierent angular positions relatively to said carrier, said tripping member being adapted to actuate said switchactuating member, a cam controlled by said time controlled means and completing approximately one cycleof movement each year, and follower means responsive to said cam'for displacing said switch actuating member to different points of the path of movement of said trippingv member with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset.

9. In an astronomical time switch, the combination of switch means. aswitch actuating member, a rotating carrier, time controlled means for governing the rotation of said carrier. :1 tripping'member mounted on said rotating carrier and adjustable to different angular positions relatively thereto, said tri ping member being adapted to engage said switch actuating member for moving said switch means to one position, means mounted on said rotating carrier for moving said switch means to another position, a cam controlled by said time controlled means and completing approximately one cycle of move-- combination of switch means, a switch actuating member," time controlled means, an hour wheel rotating under the control of said time controlled means, a tripping member moving with said hour wheel and capable of assuming different adjusted positions relatively thereto, said tripping member being adapted to engage said switch actuating member for operating said switch means, a month wheel rotating under the control of said time controlled means, a cam rotating with said month wheel, and means responsive to said cam for displacing said switch actuating member to different points of the path of movement of said tripping member with seasonal variations of sunrise'or sunset.

11."In= an astronomical time switch, the combination of switch means, a switch actuating member, time controlled means, an hourof-the-day wheel, a day-of-the-week wheel, anda month-of-the-year wheel, allrotating under the control of said time controlled means. a tripping member moving with said hour-of-the-day wheel and adapted to engage said switch actuating member, a cam rotating with said month-of-the-year wheel, means responsive to said cam for displacing said switch actuating member to different points of the path of movement of said tripping member with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset. and means adapted to'be amociated with said day-of-the-week wheel for rendering said switch means non-effective on a particular day of each week;

12. Inatime switch, the combination of switch means. a time controlled tripping member having movement In a cyclical path, a pivotallv switching supporting member. a

sonal variations of sunrise or sunset, and an i arm through which motion is transmitted from said switch actuating member to said switch. means. said arm being curved and arranged with respect to said switch actuating member that the latter transmits substa-ntially the same angular movement to said arm in each of the displaced positions of said *switch actuatiin member relatively to the path of said tripping member.

13. In an astronomical time switch, the

combination of switch means, a time controlled wheel, a tripping member rotating with said wheel, a supporting member arranged to swing substantially concentrically of said wheel, adisc pivotally mounted on said supporting member, a pin on said disc adapted to be engaged by said tripping member, cam means operatively connected to swing said supporting member to displace 'saidpin to diii'erent points of the path of roswitch actuating member movably mounted tation of said tripping member with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset, a second pin on said disc, and a curved arm operatively connected with said switch means and adapted to be actuated by said second pin in the axial oscillation of said disc, said arm being curved and arranged in such relation that said second pin transmits substantially the same angular movement to said arm in each of the displaced positions of said disc relatively to the path of rotation of said tripping member.

14-. In a time switch, the combination of switch means. a switch rotatable actuating member, a time controlled member adapted to engage said switch actuating member to move said switch means to one position in predetern'iined time relation to sunset, cam means acting to shift the axis of rotation of said rotatable member to thereby vary the time of engagement between said members in accordance with seasonal variations in the time of sunset, audmcans for moving said switch means to another position at a fixed time period each day.

15. In a time switch, the combination of time controlled means comprising two cooperating members adapted to engage in timed relation for effecting a'switching operation, automatic means for varying the time of engagement between said members with seasonal variations oi: sunrise or sunset.- and automatic means including a pivoted lever operated by one of said members for nullifying said switching operation on a particular day of each week, such as Sunday.

16. In a time switch, the combination of a time controlled member having movement in a cyclical path, a cooperating member adapted to be engaged thereby for effecting a switching operation. automatic means for displacing said latter member to difi'erent points of the path of movement of said first member in accordance with seasonal variations of sunrise or sunset, and optionally actuatable means tor-holding said second member at a fixed point in the path of movement of said first member whereby said switching operation can be made to occur at a fixed time each day.

17. In a time switch, the combination of switch means, a switch actuating member, a tripping member having movement in a cyclical path and adapted to engage and operate said switch actuating member once each day, time controlled means for governing the movement of said tripping member, a cam controlled by said time controlled means, follower means responsire to said cam for displacing said switch actuating member to different points of the path of movement of said tripping member with seasonal variations of sunset, holding means adapted to be optionally actuated for holding said switch actuating member at a predetermined point in the path of movement of said tripping member for effecting the switching operation at a fixed time each day, and Sunday cut-out means controlled by said time controlled means for rendering said switching operation non-effective on Sundays.

18. In a time switch, the combination of switch means, mechanism for moving said switch means to one position in predetermined time relation to sunset, and separate mechanism for moving said switch means to another position in predetermined time relation to sunrise, each of said mechanisms automatically varying the time of actuation of said switch means independently of the other and in accordance with seasonal variations of sunset and sunrise.

19. In combination, an element to be actuated in predetermined time relation to sunset or sunrise, an actuating member operatively connected therewith, time controlled means, a tripping member governed thereby and having movement in a cyclical pat-h for engaging said actuating member and actuating said element, and cam means governed by said time controlled means, for moving said actuating member to different points of the path of movement of said tripping member with seasonal variations of sunset or sunrise.

20; In an astronomical clock of the class described, a time controlled wheel geared to make one revolution 21 day, a trip lever carried by said wheel and adjustable thereon to set it at any hour of the day, a switch mechanism, means operated by said trip mechanism to control said switch at the prescribed hour of the day, a second wheel geared to the first to make one revolution 1'. day, a trip mechanism adjustably mounted an said second wheel, and means engaged by said second trip mechanism for operating said switch.

21. In an astronomical clock of the class described, a time controlled wheel geared to make one revolution a day, a trip lever carried by said wheel and adjustable thereon to'set it at any hour of the day, a switch mechanism means operated by said trip mechanism to control said switch at the prescribed hour of the day, a cam geared to said wheel and operated thereby through one revolution 21 year, a lever engaging said m and operated thereby to shift the switch operating means to thereby alter the time of its engagement by said trip mechanism, a second wheel geared to the first to make one revolution a day, a trip mechanism adjust ably mounted on said second wheel, and means engaged by said second trip mechanism for operating said switch, a cam geared to said second wheel and operated thereby through one revolution 9. year, a lever engaged by said second cam and operated thereby to alter the time of engagement of said second trip mechanism with said second switch operating means- In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 27th day of February, 1929.

CHARLES E. DE LONG. 

